Buying a Property
in Fuerteventura:
Complete 2026 Guide

Buying a property in Fuerteventura as a foreign buyer is more accessible than you might think — but there are specific steps to follow, costs that are often underestimated, and local bureaucracy that can catch those who arrive unprepared off-guard. In this guide we walk you through the entire process: from obtaining the NIE to signing at the notary, with all the real figures for 2026.

Why buyers choose Fuerteventura

The Fuerteventura property market continues to grow. Foreign buyers are among the most active on the island, attracted by the combination of prices still competitive compared to Mallorca, Costa del Sol or Ibiza, exceptional year-round climate and a short-term rental market generating real returns between 6% and 10% per year.

Data from the Colegio de Registradores shows average price growth of 9.3% in 2025 in Fuerteventura — above the Spanish national average. Northern areas such as Corralejo and El Cotillo continue to lead growth, while the south (Morro Jable, Costa Calma) attracts those seeking properties already generating high-season rental income.

Step 1 — Get your NIE first

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the Spanish tax identification number for foreigners. It is absolutely mandatory for any legal transaction in Spain: opening a bank account, signing a deed, paying taxes, or taking out a mortgage. Without an NIE nothing can be done.

How to get it:

• Book an appointment at the nearest Spanish Consulate or directly at the Oficina de Extranjería in Fuerteventura
• Bring: passport + photocopy, completed form EX-15, proof of motivation (e.g. purchase offer letter), 2 passport photos
• Processing at consulate level takes 2–4 weeks; directly on the island usually 1–2 weeks

The NIE costs a nominal fee (approximately €10) and does not expire. We recommend applying for it even during the exploratory phase, before finding a specific property: it greatly speeds up the process when you are ready to sign.

Step 2 — Find the property and preliminary checks

Before signing any document, always carry out these checks on the property you're interested in:

• Registro de la Propiedad extract: verify there are no mortgages, liens, encumbrances or pending litigation on the property. Costs approximately €20 and is essential.
• Nota simple: summary document of the property's legal status. Always request it before proceeding.
• Energy certificate (Certificado de Eficiencia Energética): mandatory for the sale. Check it's up to date.
• Technical survey (tasación): not mandatory but recommended, especially when buying from a private seller. Costs €300–600 and protects you from structural surprises.

Step 3 — The arras contract (reservation deposit)

In Spain, before the final notary deed, you sign the arras contract — equivalent to a preliminary agreement. There are three types:

• Arras confirmatorias: the most common, a simple advance on the price
• Arras penitenciales (art. 1454 C.C.): most used in private sales. If the buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit. If the seller withdraws, they return double.
• Arras penales: deposit with additional penalty for breach

The typical deposit amount is 5–10% of the price. The deadline to complete the deed is usually 30–60 days from signing the arras.

Step 4 — The notary and the Escritura de Compraventa

In Spain the notary plays a different role than in other countries: they authenticate the deed but do not carry out a thorough due diligence as notaries do elsewhere. The preliminary control is your responsibility and that of your lawyer. You can choose the notary freely — we recommend one with experience with foreign buyers.

On the day of completion (escritura de compraventa) you will need to bring:

• Original NIE and passport
• The balance of the price (bank transfer or certified cheque)
• Receipt of payment of ITP or IGIC (depending on property type)

Notary fees are regulated by law and depend on the property price. For a €200,000 property, expect approximately €800–1,200 in notary fees + €300–500 for the Registro de la Propiedad.

Purchase taxes in the Canary Islands: the IGIC advantage

Here the Canary Islands have an important fiscal advantage over mainland Spain:

New-build properties:

• IGIC (Canarian VAT): 6.5% (vs 10% on the Spanish mainland)
• AJD (Stamp Duty): 1%

Resale properties:

• ITP (Transfer Tax): 6.5% of the declared value

Compared to buying in Barcelona (ITP 10%), the tax saving on a €200,000 property in the Canary Islands is €7,000–9,000.

Mortgage for non-residents in Fuerteventura

Obtaining a mortgage as a non-resident in Spain is possible but with more restrictive conditions:

• Maximum loan-to-value: 60–70% of the property value (residents can access up to 80%)
• Maximum duration: 20–25 years (vs 30 for residents)
• 2026 rates: Euribor + spread. Variable approximately 2–3%, fixed approximately 3–4%
• Required documents: last 3 payslips (or 2 years tax returns if self-employed), 6-month bank statements, asset declaration, NIE

Summary of total costs for a €200,000 purchase

If using a mortgage, add 0.5–1% for banking and appraisal fees.

Conclusions: is buying in Fuerteventura worth it?

Yes — if the transaction is carefully planned. Fuerteventura still offers prices below European premium destinations, favourable tax treatment (IGIC at 6.5% instead of the mainland's 10%), and a short-term rental market that generates real, tangible returns.

• The NIE is the first step — apply before starting your active search
• Always check the Registro de la Propiedad before signing any document
• Budget for an additional 7–8% of the price for ancillary costs
• Non-resident mortgages are possible but capped at 60–70% LTV
• A bilingual local consultant is well worth their fee

Have you already found a property or are you planning a purchase? Message us on WhatsApp — we connect our clients with the best local professionals and support the entire process from purchase to rental income.